The life of a TPM can sometimes feel chaotic, like you’re being pulled in a 100 different directions. But should it? Short answer: there is a way to reclaim your sanity.
I use this matrix literally every day to prioritize my work. It has helped me cut through the noise of busyness and focus on my highest value contributions.
The Eisenhower Matrix, for Technical Program Managers
The matrix has 2 primary factors to measure priority: Urgency and Importance.
Quadrant 1: High importance, High urgency (Do it now)
Quadrant 2: High importance, Low urgency (Schedule it)
Quadrant 3: Low importance, High urgency (Delegate it)
Quadrant 4: Low importance, Low urgency (Delete it)
Where to spend your time as a TPM
The most valuable quadrant to live in is #2. It is the golden area of planned execution. This is where you should schedule 1:1 relationship building opportunities, check-ins on program progress, reviewing technical documentation, reviewing critical path work, risk anticipation, etc.
TPM life can often feel like #1 (classic ‘putting out fires’ mode), if you don’t stay organized.
Quadrant #3 is a place where you should be delegating. It is where TPM’s are getting more work done by doing less.
Weighing the factor of importance is based on how important it is that YOU are the specific person doing it, rather than the general importance to your program.
Quadrant #4 is usually filled with pet projects that add very little value to any immediate aspect of your work. Delete it.
Using Notion to Operationalize the Matrix
What good is a framework if it is only conceptual? I use a Notion Template with one key modification: additional field of do date and an added timeline view.
This lets me easily jot down an item into a quadrant, set a date to it, and then have a nice timeline view for task management each day. It is blissful. Contact me if you want more details on this.
Recap
The Eisenhower Matrix can amplify your skills as a TPM. You will be more systematic and disciplined in how your use your energy and focus.
0
Thread